‘Combination matters the most to win big matches’ says Mushtaq Ahmed

Pakistan’s former Test cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed has adviced Sarfraz Ahmed to make team’s combination according to the situation if they want to achieve something big from upcoming World Cup, scheduled from May 30 to July 14 in England and Wales.

“Combination matters the most in big events like the World Cup. Sarfraz and team management should try to frame the best possible combination before the mega event,” he said while talking exclusively in ARY News’ show ‘sports Room’.

Mushtaq, who was the member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup winning squad, said that the conditions in England are tough but a five-match ODI series against the hosts and one of the favorites to win the World Cup will play an important role for the men in green.

“Now it depends on the team management that how they play the series against England. This series should remain their focus as it will reveal the temperament of players. You have to test players in this series and try to make a strong combination,” said Mushtaq.

He coined Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman important for the upcoming multi-nation tournament as their chemistry as opening pair can be lethal for Pakistan.

“It’s a 50-over game and you need your openers as strong as a bull in order to put a good total on the scoreboard. I think Imam and Fakhar can give Pakistan an ideal start as one plays with patience and the other knows to race the total,” he said.

Former leg-spinner also commented on Shadab Khan’s role for the World Cup and asked him to think about taking a wicket on every ball.

“He needs to focus on his variations and try to keep the ball flighted,” he said.

To a query about in-experienced pace attack, Mushtaq said that somebody has to take the lead role. “I think Junaid is the bowler who can hold the command of Pakistan’s pace attack,” said Mushtaq while adding that if Amir performs well against England so his inclusion will add more stability to Pakistan’s Wolrd Cup squad.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is currently in England where they will play a five-match ODI series against the hosts from May 8. They had won two out of three tour ODI games against Kent and Northamptonshire respectively.